General Debate

Faruqi, Senator Mehreen

Senate · Wednesday 23 July 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The Senate debated a motion moved by the government to express profound disapproval of Senator Mehreen Faruqi for holding a protest sign during the Governor-General's address opening the 48th Parliament. The government argued the action breached standing orders and disrespected democratic institutions, while the opposition proposed amendments to seek suspension under standing order 203 if an apology was not issued. Senator Faruqi and the Greens opposed the motion, framing the protest as a necessary response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Senate passed the original motion but rejected the opposition's amendments for stricter penalties.

Outcome

The Senate passed the government's motion by 38 votes to 28, but rejected the opposition's amendments by 11 votes to 50.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Penny Wong (SA) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Wong moved the motion to express disapproval of Faruqi's actions, arguing they breached standing orders and undermined democratic norms by politicising a ceremonial event. Wong stated that Faruqi had ample other avenues to express views and that the protest drew the Governor-General and Chief Justice into inappropriate political debate. The motion called for an apology and barred Faruqi from representing the Senate on delegations for the life of the Parliament. Wong emphasised that Australia was already taking diplomatic and humanitarian actions regarding Gaza, including sanctions on specific ministers and aid commitments.

Opposition response

Michaelia Cash (WA) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Cash supported the government's disapproval but argued the motion did not go far enough given the gravity of the breach. Cash moved amendments to require the President to report the offence under standing order 203, allowing for potential suspension if Faruqi failed to apologise. Cash described the protest as a deliberate and prolonged attempt to politicise the opening of Parliament, arguing that strict enforcement of rules was necessary to maintain institutional dignity and public confidence.

Larissa Waters (QLD) (Australian Greens) Greens oppose

Waters opposed the motion and amendments, characterising the attempt to discipline Faruqi as a disgrace. Waters argued that Faruqi was peacefully highlighting the starvation and genocide in Gaza, which required urgent government action rather than parliamentary censure. Waters called for immediate intervention, including sanctions on the Israeli government and an end to arms sales, asserting that the Greens would not remain silent on the issue.
Katy Gallagher (ACT) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Gallagher supported the motion, rejecting the claim that it was an attempt to silence dissent. Gallagher argued that Faruqi's actions were disorderly and disrespectful to the Governor-General and the President, who could not exercise normal powers during the address. Gallagher defended the government's humanitarian contributions, citing over $110 million in aid, and stated the proposed sanction was commensurate with the breach of standing orders.
Paul Scarr (QLD) (Liberal Party) Liberal support

Scarr supported the opposition's amendments, emphasising that standing orders must apply regardless of the political issue involved. Scarr argued that failing to invoke standing order 203 for such a significant breach would invite future misconduct and undermine parliamentary structure. Scarr noted that other senators, including Waters, had raised passionate arguments without breaching rules, highlighting the importance of individual responsibility in upholding institutional standards.
Mehreen Faruqi (NSW) (Australian Greens) Greens oppose

Faruqi opposed the motion, refusing to apologise for holding the sign which stated that Gaza was starving and called for sanctions on Israel. Faruqi argued that the government and coalition were complicit in the violence and focused on silencing protest rather than addressing the humanitarian crisis. Faruqi cited Martin Luther King Jr to criticise the prioritisation of order over justice, asserting that the Greens would continue to advocate for Palestinian freedom.

Votes during this debate

Division 1: Faruqi, Senator Mehreen Not passed 28–38 Division 2: Faruqi, Senator Mehreen Passed 50–11

Opened by

Penny Wong (SA) (Australian Labor Party)

ALP

Speeches

10 speeches, 4 other contributors

Topics

Middle East

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About Senate debates

The Senate debates bills, motions, matters of public importance and the answers given in Question Time. Senators from all parties and the crossbench take part, and a minister or the minister representing them usually replies for the government. Summaries are in reported speech, not transcripts; always check the official record before quoting.